gardening

The gardening season in Montana starts this weekend, according to local experts - at least when it comes to starting seeds indoors. Learning what works for our often challenging climate will be FUN and FREE with a special event.

Tulips are my favorite bulbs but the deer will feast on them in any non-fenced area of my yard. I made that mistake the first year I moved into my house, planting dozens of lovely tulips. Perhaps 4 of them survived the deer buffet.

What a fantastic idea...a plant swap in Belgrade where you can bring your plants, cutting, knowledge, etc. and end up adopting new houseplants from others in the area. It's practical, fun, social and about as wholesome as it gets.

Sunflowers are a classic simple pleasure in life and they grow quite well in Montana.

This year has just a few, colorful gardening successes for me. Usually I have plenty of flowers and vegetables, but the only things I can take pride in have been my simple flower baskets and pots. How is your garden growing?

If you're needing some ground cover and some color in your Montana garden, there is nothing easier to grow than Cat Mint.

Reason #87 that everyone and their dog is moving to Montana - it's not just the mountains and rivers that are stunningly pretty.

What was once a sun-drenched, private corner cat sanctuary table with a plush cat bed on top of an elevated table...is now completely covered by various flower and vegetable seedlings. Every square inch of that gorgeous, bright corner of the room is packed with plastic trays.

From gardening to guns, there's a wide variety of stuff to do this weekend. Have a train lover in your world? Want live music at a high end bar in downtown? In need of a good laugh with live comedy? Here are the details:

Learn from the most knowledgeable gardeners in the area at this FREE clinic at Cashman Nursery & Landscaping on Springhill Road.

It's my favorite time to start the most useful seeds indoors. They're edible, good looking and easy to grow.

Don't feel weird. You are NOT alone in your hankering to get stuff going or at least organize your seed collection. Montanans who like to garden are all in the same boat this time of year.